China and the Liberal International Order: Did China's Accession to WTO Shape Its Behavior?

Abstract

The rise of China in recent years has brought about more questions than answers as to whether and when China will take on the world, and number one — the United States. In line with this reasoning, many pundits as well as policy circles begin to suggest that a rinsing China, along with a declining America, would inevitably invite a change of the international order. Based upon the case of WTO, how do international institutions shape China’s behavior? After being a rule taker for 10 years and benefiting from WTO, will China become a rule taker in the near future? This paper aims to provide a preliminary answer to these questions.